Nominations Open for Coolest Thing Made in Iowa
03/16/2026
DES MOINES, March 17, 2026 – The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) is partnering with Nicolet National Bank to host a statewide competition to find the “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa.” Now in its third year, the contest celebrates Iowa’s largest industry — manufacturing — and the Iowans behind it. Manufacturing contributes more than $43 billion in economic output annually and employs more than 215,000 Iowans across the state.
“Iowa manufacturers are known for their innovation and their ability to compete on a global stage,” said Nicole Crain, ABI President. “The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest celebrates the ingenuity of our manufacturers and the wide range of products made right here in Iowa.”
Any product manufactured in Iowa is eligible for the contest. Nominations may be submitted by employees, consumers, and other supporters of Iowa manufacturing through March 27 at www.coolestthingia.com. After nominations close, the public will vote to determine the Top 16 products. Those products will compete in a bracket-style tournament with head-to-head matchups until one product is crowned the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa.
Important Contest Dates:
- March 16 – March 27: Nominations Open
- April 6: Nominees Announced
- April 7 – April 15: Popular Vote Round
- April 16: Top 16 Announced
- April 17 - May 15: Rounds of Voting
- June 3: Winner Announced
The winner will be announced during ABI’s Taking Care of Business Conference, June 2–4 in Coralville and Iowa City. Competition rules, eligibility requirements, and the nomination form are available at www.coolestthingia.com.
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The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903. Its mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers. ABI is comprised of member companies representing all industries and sizes in Iowa’s 99 counties. ABI members employ more than 330,000 Iowans.